Wound care advice following skin surgery (ENT)
You have been referred this page following your skin surgery. The advice on this page will help to make sure that any possible problems with your wound are minimised. If you have any questions or concerns after discharge from hospital, please contact the ENT Outpatient Nurses between 8:00am and 5:00pm (the number is at the end of this page). Out of normal working hours, contact NHS 111 for advice. In an emergency, please go straight to the nearest Emergency Department.
Wound care advice
- Keep your wound dry for 7 days after the surgery.
- Avoid touching the wound as this could cause infection.
- You will receive separate advice about changing or removing your dressing from the doctor treating you. If you have not received wound dressing advice before leaving the ward, please ask a member of the team caring for you.
- If you have had a skin graft during surgery, you may notice some colour changes to the graft; this is normal. The skin graft will be reviewed by your doctor during your follow-up appointment.
- You may be asked to use an antibiotic cream, ointment or dressing after the surgery. The doctor or nurse will advise you about this.
- If you are currently taking any blood thinning medication, it may take longer for the bleeding to stop. If the wound bleeds after you have left the hospital, press on it with a clean tissue for 10 minutes.
- Please note that healing may be delayed if you have diabetes or problems with your immune system.
Pain relief
Most wounds are not painful but if you do have any discomfort, you can take pain relief such as paracetamol. Please follow the dosage instructions in the packet.
If you are unsure about which pain relief to take, contact your GP, local pharmacist or the ENT Outpatient Nurses for advice (the number is at the end of this page).
When to seek further advice
- If your wound is bleeding a lot and does not appear to be stopping, please contact the ENT Outpatient Nurses between 8:00am and 5:00pm. Out of normal working hours, please visit your nearest Emergency Department, where you may be directed to the Minor Injuries Unit.
- If your wound becomes hot, swollen and/or sore, or begins to ooze, contact your GP for advice. You may have an infection which might require treatment with antibiotics.
Follow-up appointment
You will be given the date and time of your follow-up appointment before you leave the hospital. If you have not received this, please ask a member of the team caring for you.
Contact information
If you have any concerns, please contact the ENT Outpatient Nurses for advice. Out of hours, contact NHS 111.
In an emergency, please go to your nearest Emergency Department.
ENT Outpatient Nurses
Tel: 0300 422 8549
Tel: 0300 422 8541
Monday to Friday, 8:00am to 5:00pm
ENT Day Surgery Unit (Mayhill)
Tel: 0300 422 5390
Monday to Friday, 8:00am to 6:00pm
NHS 111
Tel: 111
Further information
For more information, visit the Gloucestershire Hospitals ENT webpage by typing the wording into your web browser:
www.gloshospitals.nhs.uk/our-services/services-we-offer/ear-nose-throat/